Welder

Company: British Marine Engineering (various projects across the UK and Europe)
Location: Various sites in the United Kingdom and Europe (including shipyards, refit facilities, boat builders, and marine construction projects; travel and occasional overseas assignments required)

Employment Type: Contract / Project-based (permanent opportunities available for top performers)

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience and qualifications UP TO £35PH for contract work; overtime, travel allowances, and accommodation provided where applicable)

British Marine Engineering specialises in high-quality marine construction, refit, repair, and custom fabrication for yachts, workboats, commercial vessels, and specialised marine structures. We deliver projects across the UK (including major ports and shipyards) and selected European locations, focusing on precision aluminium work to meet classification society and industry standards.

We are seeking experienced Aluminium Fabricators and Welders to join our dynamic teams on various marine projects. The role involves fabrication, fitting, and welding of aluminium components for hulls, superstructures, decks, railings, frameworks, and custom marine fittings. Work may take place in shipyards, on vessels afloat or dry-docked, in fabrication shops, or at client sites across the UK and Europe.

This is an excellent opportunity for skilled tradespeople who take pride in producing clean, high-quality welds in the demanding marine environment.

• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications to fabricate and assemble aluminium components.
• Perform layout, measuring, cutting, bending, forming, and fitting of aluminium materials (plates, extrusions, pipes, and profiles).
• Carry out high-quality TIG (GTAW) welding — and MIG (GMAW) where required — on marine-grade aluminium alloys in all positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead).
• Weld aluminium structures including hull plating, bulkheads, frames, decks, superstructures, and custom fittings to classification standards (e.g., Lloyd's Register, DNV, or equivalent).
• Prepare materials (grinding, cleaning, bevelling) and ensure proper fit-up prior to welding.
• Conduct tack welding, full welding, grinding, and finishing to achieve smooth, watertight, and aesthetically pleasing results.
• Perform repairs, modifications, and refits on existing vessels.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and a clean/safe work area.
• Work safely at heights, in confined spaces, and in shipyard/marine environments, adhering to all health & safety regulations.
• Collaborate with fitters, engineers, and supervisors to meet project deadlines and quality requirements.
• Occasional travel within the UK and Europe for project assignments.

• Proven experience (minimum 4–5 years) in aluminium fabrication and welding, ideally in the marine, boat building, yacht refit, ship repair, or similar industry.
• Strong proficiency in MIG welding of aluminium.
• Ability to produce high-quality, clean welds with excellent penetration and appearance.
• Experience working from technical drawings and using standard fabrication tools (plasma cutters, grinders, saws, drills, presses, etc.).
• Knowledge of marine terminology (e.g., port/starboard, bow/stern) and understanding of marine-grade aluminium alloys.
• Physically fit and able to work in demanding environments (including working at heights, confined spaces, and outdoors).
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.
• Right to work in the UK (or eligibility for EU/UK work permits where required for European projects).
• Recognised welding qualifications/certifications for aluminium, or equivalent marine/class society approvals).
• Experience with marine classification standards and watertight/structural welding.
• Additional skills such as stainless-steel welding, mechanical fitting, or pipework.
• Full UK driving licence (preferred for site travel).
• Passport and willingness to travel/work short- or medium-term assignments in Europe.

• Competitive pay rates with opportunities for overtime
• Travel, accommodation, and subsistence allowances for away-from-home work.

If you are a skilled aluminium welder/fabricator with a passion for marine work and are ready for varied, challenging projects across the UK and Europe, we want to hear from you.